Huge congratulations to Dr Kezia Sasitharan from Newcastle University for winning the L’Oréal UNESCO Women in Science Young Talent Awards in Sustainable Development! It’s awesome to see women in Newcastle shaping the future of global science ♻️

Nice to speak to The Irish Post about my Grandad, Michael Grady. Proud of my Irish roots and his contribution to the North East, my home, and where his legacy lives on. www.irishpost.com/community/catherine-mckinnell-mp-remembers-her-irish-grandfather-who-helped-build-a-city-303994

This World Cancer Day, too many people know the heartbreak that a cancer diagnosis can bring. The new National Cancer Plan has the potential to transform many lives, with earlier diagnosis, specialist support and advanced technology. www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/government-sets-out-plans-to-

We must remember the past to learn the lessons and build a better today. This Holocaust Memorial Day, we remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered during the Holocaust, and redouble our efforts to fight modern day antisemitism, hatred & division.

From being appointed as the UK’s Trade Envoy to Italy to celebrating local scientists in Parliament, it’s been a positive week 👍 Find out more here: 🔗 www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/catherines-catch-up-26th-january-2026/

Good to have clarity that, of course, schools should be phone-free environments.📱 Schools are brilliant at delivering clear guidance - we shouldn’t spend time passing laws on this. What we need is strong action on protecting children from online harms when outside of school.

Proud to learn how Newcastle is leading the way in using new technologies and AI to improve care for those with neurological disorders. Good to meet Dr Luke Bashford from @newcastleuni.bsky.social in Parliament to tell me more.

In preparation for Holocaust Memorial Day, I signed the Holocaust Educational Trust Book of Commitment in Parliament. We must remember the lives lost, honour the extraordinary survivors, and ensure such atrocities never happen again.

Tired of high energy bills? The Government has unveiled the Warm Homes Plan, helping up to one million families out of fuel poverty while giving every household access to clean power upgrades. Read more to find out how Newcastle North will benefit👇 www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/warm-homes-a...

🗞️ Buona Notizia Privilege to be appointed as the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Italy 🇮🇹🇬🇧 I’m looking forward to working to boost our trading relationship, champion UK business and unlock new trade and investment opportunities. www.gov.uk/government/news/trade-envoy-programme-appointments

The Government’s consultation on children’s use of social media is a welcome step forward, but time is of the essence. I called on the Government to proceed as quickly as possible to protect children online.

On BBC 5 Live welcoming that the Government is listening on children’s social media use, and calling for change as soon as possible. The problem is only getting worse, and the Government should act before the summer holidays when children will be spending more time online.

Good to speak to BBC Look North about the call for better protection for children online. The time for talk is over. The problem is only getting worse and if social media companies won’t play their part in protecting children from exploitation online, then the Government must intervene.

Good to talk on BBC Radio 4 Today about why I have joined 60 Labour MPs in signing a letter to the Prime Minister, urging him to remove access to social media for under-16s.

It’s time to end the profiteering from addictive algorithms that hook children into endless scrolling on social media. The Government must act now to protect children online, and step up the support for parents and teachers.

🚨We risk losing a generation to the harmful effects of addictive social media if the Government does not act now to end the exploitation of children online. www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/we-risk-losi...

🏥 Since the general election, NHS waiting lists have fallen by a staggering 15,309 at the Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals Trust. Labour’s NHS reforms are working: ✅NHS waiting lists are down ✅Ambulances are arriving quicker ✅GP satisfaction is up

Daniel Graham-Reed is the founder of LiveYou and a passionate campaigner for people with disabilities to get the support they need to live independently. We met to discuss his concerns about the implementation of the 2014 Care Act and I look forward to continuing to work with him 💪

Our children’s health matters. From this week, adverts for unhealthy foods will be banned on television before 9pm and online at all times - helping children make healthier choices and easing supporting the NHS. Read more👇 www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/taking-actio... #NextGeneration #NHS

🚦Safer roads save lives. The Government is consulting on its new road safety strategy to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads. Have your say: www.gov.uk/government/publications/road-safety-strategy

Good to meet with Lumo to discuss sustainability, support for local businesses and the future of train services in our region as the Railways Bill passes through Parliament.

I spoke to GB News about Labour’s plan to put money back into people’s pockets to help businesses and communities thrive 💫

I welcome that the inquiry into grooming gangs will be lead by Anne Longfield, a strong campaigner for children’s rights. The victims and survivors of this abhorrent abuse deserve answers, justice to be served and lessons learned.

At Public Accounts Committee today, I asked senior civil servants about home to school transport: 📚 How they ensure that children who need support the most get it. 🥣 How they will ensure that children can get to breakfast clubs. 🚐 The future of home to school transport.

It’s unbelievable that hard-working families in Newcastle North pay more council tax than Mayfair’s multi-millionaires. That’s why I called on the Treasury to go further on council tax reform in my Budget response👇 www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/council-tax-bands/

With the two-child limit scrapped, energy bills down, and much more, this Budget is good news for Newcastle North. I welcome the Budget, but have also asked the Government to go further👇 www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/budget-to-boost-living-standards-for-those-living-in-the-north-east/

I spoke to ITV Tyne Tees about the need for SEND reform for children and families in the North East. The Government must get on with reforming this adversarial system, and improving outcomes for the children who need it the most.

Great to visit Kenton School to hear about their work alongside the Government’s RISE support - ensuring that every child has the best start in life. I also met some of the students on the school’s Aspire programme, ensuring education is accessible and engaging for all 🙌

Great to see schools benefiting from new solar panels in the North East ☀️ Delighted that Benton Dene Primary School and Gosforth Academy – two fantastic local schools – will receive funding from Great British Energy.

Lovely to visit Newcastle’s beloved Maggie’s centre to join their weekly Men’s Support Group. Good to discuss a whole range of topics over sausage rolls! If you’re affected by cancer, you’re not alone. Find support at the Maggie’s centre here: www.maggies.org/our-centres/maggies-newcastle/

Lovely to meet the staff and students at Newcastle Bridges School in Kenton. It was good to discuss the challenges of SEND education in the North East, and how I might be able to support NBS and others going forward.

If you’ve ever signed, shared, or started a petition, our latest episode of Parliament Matters is for you. 10 years of House of Commons petitions by the people who’ve chaired it: @cmckinnellmp.bsky.social, @catsmithmp.bsky.social, @jamie4north.bsky.social 🎧 Listen buff.ly/DtFCEsn

This Armistice Day, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we honour the brave service of those in defence of our freedom. I placed a cross in the Constituency Garden of Remembrance in memory of those from Newcastle North who have given their lives. Lest we forget.

This Remembrance Sunday, I remembered the brave service and sacrifice of those in both Newcastle and North Tyneside. It is always an honour and a privilege to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we have today.

Great to catch up with Anne Reece, Chair of the Reece Foundation, about plans to revitalise the Ouseburn. The project will connect communities with nature, improve water-quality and preserve local heritage. Excited to work with Anne & others to make this vision a reality.

Fantastic to be able to recognise small businesses at Number 11 with the Chancellor Rachel Reeves.   Proud to showcase Long Friday/Cook House - with two restaurants & a bar in the works, Anna Hedworth spoke to the Chancellor about the opportunities for growth in our region 💪

My statement on the events over the weekend.

The Renters’ Rights Act is good news for many in Newcastle North: ❌ Abolishes Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions 🏠 Applies Awaab’s Law to ensure homes are safe 🐶 Strengthens rights to request a pet in a property www.catherinemckinnellmp.co.uk/new-rights-secured-for-renters-in-newcastle/

Pleased to be joining the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament. The Committee plays an important role in scrutinising how public money is spent, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in.

Inspiring visit to the Great North Air Ambulance Service to hear about how they respond to the most severe medical cases across the North 🚁 Find out more about how you can support: www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk

Really informative roundtable with the Catholic Bishops’ of England and Wales to discuss how we can work together to eradicate child poverty. No child should grow up in poverty, and the Government must do everything it can to improve the life chances for young people.

End of life care is an issue close to my heart. I’m so grateful for the first-hand support that I’ve seen for people in Newcastle from St Oswald’s Hospice. I met with Hospice UK to discuss their work, and find out more about the Government’s £100m investment to upgrade facilities.

It was a privilege to officially open Great Park Academy after many years of supporting them to get to this day! In the ceremony, the talented choir sang ‘A Million Dreams’. I know that this school will be a place where many dreams are inspired🌟

Good to chat to Times Radio about the upcoming budget, the cost of living and the economy. Businesses and households need confidence that we are moving in the right direction, investing in public services whilst unlocking growth and improving living standards.

Delighted to attend Parkrun’s 21st birthday celebrations in Parliament with @stephanie-peacock.bsky.social and Nick Smith MP 🎉 Find your local run or walk here (everyone’s welcome!): www.parkrun.org.uk

It’s so important for children to experience reading in an enjoyable way. I spoke to BBC Politics North about how Labour’s plan to ensure every primary school has a library will boost our children’s life chances 📚

Carers are the unsung heroes of our society 🦸 I visited Newcastle Carers to hear about their incredible support for carers in the city - and find out what I can do to support them as a local MP.

I joined Baroness Ruth Anderson to visit Sir Robert Francis and the team at the IBCA in Newcastle North. The IBCA is responsible for paying compensation to those affected by the infected blood scandal. It was clear how committed the Newcastle based team are to fulfilling justice.

Busy time at #Lab25 conference in Liverpool, meeting with charities and organisations, which many constituents invited me to visit, to hear more about the work they do.